At such moments the first glance counts for a good deal; indeed, the impression it leaves is of almost unfair importance, for it is often difficult afterwards for our sober, solid, reason to counteract its influence. Mr Lee saw before him a young man, tall and slender, with a delicate face into which a nervous colour stole; with drooping eyelids, and thin, fine, hair, a delicate complexion, and nervous, parted lips. A graceful figure, a face not without charm, an attire refined and carefully arranged; the most hostile adversaries, speaking honestly, could not have been bold enough to deny these advantages. They might have denied that the gentle-featured face gave the smallest indication of steadfast principles, but then we are not accustomed to look for unwavering resolution in the countenance of a young man of three-and-twenty years. And it is certain that in the course of a wandering life Mr James Gillan had gained an appearance of good-breeding; the son of a wandering actor, he had yet acquired refinement, and had the look and the words of a gentleman. This appearance, moreover, was intensified by the attractiveness of a gentle, pleasing face; and a quiet manner, which was a positive relief to the uncle who had seen his sister’s books and songs. And yet the old man, a keen and shrewd observer, was not altogether satisfied, in spite of his relief. A contrast himself!--Mr Lee was not refined or pleasing, but his grey eyes were clear and bright beneath his brows, and every line of his harsh, rugged face was graved with a decision that almost rose to power. A passionate face, but with passion well-subdued, a face untender, proud, and illiterate, not softened by love, not refined by education, not enlarged by wide views, and general sympathy. The son of a grocer, a dealer in provisions, then a general merchant of large and wide success, he had pursued an honoured and industrious career, and had retired from business a respected, wealthy man. The unfortunate circumstances attending his early marriage had debarred him from the most softening influences of life; though, with the want of refinement that characterised his words, he had made into his favourite joke that long-past tale. That was the man! he could keep a promise honourably, indeed with a scrupulous honour that rose to chivalry; but no delicate tact, such as sensitive natures own, would hinder him from boasting of a promise he had kept. Not parsimonious, but not at all luxurious, he had not the least love for society and its ways, and his establishment at the top of Lindum Hill was conducted with the utmost simplicity, though not penuriously. In the house with him were only his favourite attendant--a dark-faced, under-sized, active boy--an old woman who was his housekeeper and cook, and her husband, who had been his coachman many years. The cathedral bells chimed at a little distance from the house; beneath it lay the valley in endless lights